KEY POINTS

  • Claressa Shields has started her MMA training with UFC star Jon Jones
  • The multi-division boxing champ jabs at YouTube sensation Jake Paul
  • Shields accuses Paul of taking advantage of non-professional fighters

Three-division boxing champion Claressa Shields is dead serious about having a smooth transition to mixed martial arts (MMA) as she puts in some work with former UFC light heavyweight titlist Jon Jones.

Shields was spotted taking pointers from Jones, who recently vacated his belt to pursue gold in the heavyweight division, at the world-renowned Jackson-Wink MMA training facility in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

The undefeated pugilist from Flint, Michigan may be putting all her time and effort in MMA from now on, but she is not totally closing her doors on the sport that catapulted her to superstardom.

Shields is still open to returning to the squared-circle while hinting at the possibility of trading leather with the opposite sex.

Speaking to TMZ Sports, Shields blasted YouTube star Paul, who is coming off a victorious knockout win over former NBA player Nate Robinson.

"I, Claressa Shields, will whoop Jake Paul's a--,” she stated. “He can come in the ring weighing 180 pounds and I will come weighing 168 and I will beat the s--t out of him!"

For Shields, Paul has been preying on non-pro fighters and it has evidently worked out for his career. However, the 25-year-old assures that the outcome will be different once the internet sensation shares the ring with her.

"Jake Paul is making his money, he's doing his thing, but stay away from us real fighters," she warned. "And anybody out there that say 'Oh, Jake Paul will destroy her because she's a woman', I'm the greatest woman! So, no, Jake Paul won't do nothing with me and if he think he can, he can come see me."

Prior to Shields’ statement, Paul has been boasting about his unblemished pro boxing record, arguing that he is a legitimate competitor who has the potential to be the “new Floyd Mayweather.”

"I'm a pro boxer and I'm here to stay," Paul told Boxing Scene. "When you put those 10-ounce gloves on me, I'm vicious, I can hit. I'm a real dog. When these MMA fighters come into the ring, they're gonna meet 'The Problem Child'. They're gonna meet me.”

"I'm here to make millions of dollars and sell millions of pay-per-view and I'm gonna be one of the biggest stars,” he added. “I think I might just be the new Floyd [Mayweather]."

Jake Paul is separated from KSI after Paul defeated AnEsonGib in a first round knockout during their fight at Meridian at Island Gardens
Jake Paul is separated from KSI after Paul defeated AnEsonGib in a first round knockout during their fight at Meridian at Island Gardens Getty Images | Michael Reaves

While a full-blown encounter against Paul is unlikely to happen anytime soon, Shields is busy grinding for her much-awaited debut under the Professional Fighters League banner.

Head coach Greg Jackson has high hopes for the two-time Olympic gold medalist in MMA.

"If they bring her up right and she goes step by step and doesn't rush things, the sky is the limit," Jackson told ESPN of Shields. "Literally, the sky is the limit. She's so good."